I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki. Today, I speak about Dele Farotimi, a man whose courage and insights into the Nigerian criminal justice system demand global recognition. His book, The Nigerian Criminal Justice System, and his relentless advocacy for justice highlight the deep rot in our nation’s institutions. Dele Farotimi is not just a thinker; he is a risk-taker willing to sacrifice for the greater good. In my view, he has the qualities Nigeria desperately needs in a leader—his age, detribalized outlook, and first-hand experience with injustice all point to his readiness for presidency.
The Value of a Nigerian Life
For years, I have pointed out that the Nigerian government places a higher value on livestock abroad than on its citizens. Consider this: European cows receive subsidies amounting to $2.50 daily, translating to $75 a month. In contrast, the Nigerian minimum wage is a meager ₦30,000, barely $40. Even the annual health budget per citizen often fails to exceed $8—less than what a European cow accrues in four days of subsidies.
This horrifying disparity underscores how much the Nigerian government devalues human life. And it is not just a matter of economics; it is ingrained in our justice system, where lives are traded for trifles.
A 17-Year-Old Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Chicken
A recent case exemplifies the inhumanity of our criminal justice system. A 17-year-old boy was sentenced to death for stealing a chicken. Let us unpack this travesty:
- The boy was a minor, legally unfit to be tried in an adult court.
- Instead of rehabilitation, he was condemned to die, as though the chicken’s value equaled his life.
- His prolonged detention for over a decade only came to light through the cries of social media.
This case is not isolated. It represents the legalized jungle justice that permeates our judicial system. Meanwhile, those accused of stealing billions walk free, living in luxury. The hypocrisy is nauseating.
The Plight of the Nigerian Soldier and Policeman
Even those tasked with protecting the nation suffer under this system. Soldiers on the frontlines drink from filthy ponds and beg for basic necessities. Policemen, often used as tools of oppression, live in degrading conditions, with many sleeping in abandoned vehicles. Yet, the elite enjoy unimaginable wealth, sending their children abroad while the masses languish.
The Everyday Devaluation of Life
This devaluation of life is not limited to the elite. In my own town, people are killed over trivial disputes, from dirty markets to romantic rivalries. Governors’ escorts smash car windshields with impunity, and vice principals are locked in car trunks over confiscated phones. This culture of violence and entitlement is pervasive.
A Call for Urgent Reform
Dele Farotimi’s advocacy highlights the urgent need for a complete overhaul of the Nigerian criminal justice system. We must ask ourselves: how can a nation allow a young boy to languish in prison for a chicken while ignoring the crimes of billion-dollar thieves?
The time for change is now. We need a system that values every Nigerian life equally, regardless of wealth or status.
I owe this country my voice and my advocacy, but my children do not owe this nation their future. They deserve better. And so do the countless Nigerians suffering under this oppressive system.
Let us not be silent. Let us demand justice, equity, and accountability.
Your friend,
Dr. Charles Apoki
